House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner announced he won't seek re-election this year. He has represented parts of East Nashville and Old Hickory since 2000.

Written by

Chas Sisk
| csisk@tennessean.com

The Tennessee Democratic Party is alive and well - in East Nashville, at least.

That has to be the first lesson from state Rep. Mike Turner's announcement Thursday that he will step down as House Democratic Caucus chairman and give up his seat in the legislature at the end of this year. By day's end, half a dozen Democratic candidates had emerged as potential successors, all of them with progressive credentials and experience in city or state politics. More might follow.

Turner, who has represented parts of East Nashville and Old Hickory since 2000, hopes his retirement will inject fresh blood ...